HARRISBURG (Oct. 25, 2006) — Gerald C. Montella, court administrator of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, has received an Everyday Leader Award tomorrow from the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA).

“Jerry works, not for himself, but, for the good of the community and the legal profession,” said PBA President Kenneth J. Horoho Jr., who presented the award to Montella during a PBA luncheon meeting at D’Ignazio’s Town House Restaurant, Media. “Jerry founded the Juror Donation Program, a voluntary program that allows jurors to donate their juror compensation to worthwhile causes.”

Organizations that have benefited include Operation Warm, the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County Inc., the Hero Scholarship Program and Delaware County Children and Youth Services.

Montella provides pro bono services for Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which offers legal counsel to low-income residents in a four-county area. He also serves on the Delaware County Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the Council on Judicial Safety. He is a past president of the Delaware County Bar Association.

A lifelong Delaware County resident, Montella graduated from Garnet Valley High School. He completed his undergraduate degree at Villanova University and earned his law degree and master’s degree in business administration from Widener University School of Law. Montella’s efforts have previously recognized with the Donald J. Orlowsky Memorial Award for fostering good bench-bar relationships, as well as awards from the Christopher Columbus Memorial Association and the Delaware County Lawyers’ Club.

“The Everyday Leader Award is given to individuals who go above and beyond, sharing their time and talent to help and support others,” said Horoho. “These unsung heroes work hard each and every day performing good works, not for personal gain or recognition, but for the right reasons–to improve the places they call home and to better Pennsylvania’s legal system. Jerry is one of these ‘everyday leaders’ and is deserving of this award in gratitude for his contributions to Delaware County.

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association exists to promote justice, professional excellence and respect of the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.